Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21166, Sanford Gavit, R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Gavit, Sanford Hannah
W 21166
CONTENTS

19.40 H. 30
10 979 Rhode Island
Samford Gavit of Westerly in the State of Rhode Island who was a Drumist in the Company commanded by Captain Gavit of the Regt commanded by Col Boys in the Revolutionary line for 2 months Massachusetts 11 " Private
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 44 Dollars  Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of May 1833 and sent George Brown  Gr.  Pension
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $88.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 22.00 $110.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. Addison Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2a Page 111
X

Rhode Island 27 27
Hannah Gavit
widow of Sanford Gavit,
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June '32 and who died on the 27 Sept 1833 of Absent & Pin in the State of R Island who was a Master in the Navy commanded by Captain Gavit of the Regt commanded by Major in the R Island line for 12 months
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 44 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of May '39, and sealed with J. H. Knight Master, R. Island
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. - $142.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 22.00 $164.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by R Burdick Clerk, Book Vol. 2 - Page 9-

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Washington sc.
On the sixth day of August 1832, personally, appeared before Joseph Potter one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Washington, and late aforesaid Sanford Gavit a resident of Westerly in the County aforesaid aged Seventy two years, who being first duly sworn according to Law took on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States as a Volunteer Musician under Captain John Gavit and Lieutenant Stephen Saunders, in the Regiment commanded by Col Joseph Noyes, Lieut Col Jesse Mason, and Thomas Sheffield, Major, and served, on the "Berkshire" so called, and Boston Neck in the Town of South Kingstown to Gnarled the Shore from the defences of the Enemy, for the term of two Months, at the said Volunteering I resided at my Father's in Westerly in the County aforesaid; the time when I entered the service and the precise time of my discharge I cannot now recollect, nor have not documents to show the same. On the 29 th day of March 1778, I entered the service as a volunteer, in the same Company and under the same Officers, and served as a Guard on the Shore in the Towns of Westerly and Charlestown for Eight months at the expiration of which term I enlisted as a soldier in the State Troops of Rhode Island under Capt Samuel Champlin in the Regiment commanded by Col Joseph Noyes, and commenced my service under said enlistment on the 11 th day of December 1778 and continued on Guard on the shores of the Towns of Charlestown & Westerly aforesaid until some time after the British Troops have left Rhode Island; the exact time I served under this enlistment

in the State Troops I cannot tell, but believe it to have been since years or more; when our Company was discharged, we were Mustered and discharged by beat of Drum. — During the time I was in the services aforesaid one Company had several skirmishes with the Enemy's Ships and Barges, to wit one coasting Vessel was in particular with the British Ship Renown and her Barge, one also with the Ship of War Otter, in which time several American Vessels were taken or burnt and lost, among the aforesaid time of Service I exchanged services with James Hobbs for the term of one month and served on Rhode Island in Sullivan's Expedition under the command of John Gavit Esq. & and by the consent of my commanding Officer. I hereby renounce every claim whatever to a Pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the Pension roll of the Agency of any State, Sanford Gavit
Sworn to, and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. at Charlestown — Before me Joseph Potter Justice of C.C.P. Pleas
We Edward Wilcox of Charlestown and Nathan Brien of Westfield hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Sanford Gavit who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy two years of age; that he is respected and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Edward Wilcox
Nathan Brien
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid at Charlestown. Before me Joseph Potter Justice of C.C.P. Pleas

3074 Gavit R.I.
at 7 July 33
m 87 d 33
adm
2 mo Musician 11. - printer
448
No deduction
Mr. Knight Westerly R.I.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
State of Rhode Island County of Washington } ss.
On this fifth day of October 1838 personally appeared before George D. Leps one of the Justices of the Court of common pleas for the County aforesaid, being a Court of record, having a Clerk and seal. Hannah Gavit resident of Westerly in the County of Washington, aged seventy four years, who before her marriage was Hannah Berry, being first duly sworn, according to law, with on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by act of Congress, passed July 7. 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows": That she is the widow of Sanford Gavit, who was a private Soldier in the War of the Revolution, in the military service of the United States; that is to say, the said Sanford Gavit, soon after her marriage to him, and repeatedly afterwards up to the time of his death, told this declarant and she believes told her truly, that in the commencement of the Revolutionary war, he served, as a private Soldier in Capt John Gavit's company of militia in Col Joseph Noyes' Regiment, until the Fall of 1776, and was stationed at Noyes' neck in Westerly, Green Hill, & Boston Neck in South Kingston in the county of Washington, and that soon after the expiration of the aforesaid service, as this declarant is informed, he enlisted, in the month of December 1776 into a Company of State Troops, commanded by Capt Samuel Champlaine, which was stationed as a permanent Guard at Noyes Neck by order of the Council of War, and served in said company until the latter part of 1779, or the beginning of 1780. And the said Hannah Gavit further says, that said Sanford Gavit resided in Westerly, when he performed his said services, and that she has no documentary evidence of the aforesaid service. But inasmuch as the said Sanford Gavit applied for, and received a pension for his services during his life, under the act of Congress of June 7. 1832, this declarant refers the department to his declaration

and the evidence accompanying it in the Pension Office in support of her claim for a Pension of the same amount as that received by the said Sanford Gavit, which she believes was forty four dollars per annum.
She further declares, that she was married to the said Sanford Gavit on the twenty third day of February in the year seventeen hundred and eighty seven, that her said husband, the aforesaid Sanford Gavit died at Westerly, on the twenty seventh day of April Anno Domini eighteen hundred and thirty three, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.
Hannah Gavit
Sworn to and subscribed on the day above written, before George D. Dyer Justice Court Common Pleas
I also certify, that the aforesaid affiant Hannah Gavit is known to me, that she is a person of veracity, and in my opinion her testimony, and the preceding declaration are entitled to credit; and that I have taken the preceding declaration of the said Hannah Gavit at her residence in said Westerly, because by reason of her infirm health she was not able to go abroad to attend a Court of records.
George D. Dyer Justice Court Common Pleas

The disposition of James Boffs and Esther Boffs his wife of lawful age and engaged according to Law. Testifyeth and saith that on the twenty third day of February Anno Domini One thousand seven hundred and eighty seven they was at the house of Mr. Elijah Bury in Westerly & then & there they saw and heard Joseph Clark Esq. Late of Westerly deceased join together in Marriage Mr. Sanford Gavit son to Deacon Joseph Gavit and Miss Hannah Bury daughter to Mr. Elijah Bury both of Westerly according to the Laws of this State
Before me Sam l Blium Justice Peace Entered October - twenty fourth Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred
H. Sam l Blium Town Clerk
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Washington County ss
Town Clerk's office Westerly September 24 th D. 1838.
I Jesse Mason Town Clerk of Westerly aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Record with the exception of the dates which are expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as is above written.
Attest Jesse Mason Town Clerk
I Jesse Mason above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County Town and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town with the exception above named as certified by me Jesse Mason Town Clerk Sworn before me Nathan F. Dixon Jr.
Justice of the Peace
The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington ss Clerk's office Court of Common
Pleas October 31 st A.D. 1838
I hereby certify that Nathan F. Dixon Jr. Esq. is one of the Justices of the Peace for the town of Westerly in the County of Washington aforesaid and that the above signature from postmark to be his in genuine testimony whereof I have cause to set my hand and the Seal of said Court the day and year above written.
Attest Nathan Meade Clerk

The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington Se Clerk's office Court of Common Pleas October 31 1838
I hereby certify that George D. Lord Esquire is one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Washington and that the Signatures purporting to be his and attached to the Declaration of Hannah Gurney are Genuine and I also certify that Nicholiah W. Knight Esq. is one of the Justices of the Pleas for the town of Westerly in the County of said & that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his & attached to the Deposition of James D. Lord Jos. W. Rathbun & Sanford Gurney, and the official of Jos. W. Rathbun a Commissioner of Westerly are Genuine In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court the day & year above written Matthew A. Vose at their Minutes Clerk

James Rops of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, who was formerly James Rops Junior, on Oath testifies and says, that he is fifty seven years of age, that he was well acquainted with Mr. Sanford Gavit formerly of said Westerly now deceased, that he has always resided within half a mile of said Gavit from his youth, that he was present at said Gavit's House at the time of his death which occurred on the twenty seventh day of April A.D. 1833; and also that he well knows Mrs. Hannah Gavit, widow of said Sanford Gavit, and that she has not married since his decease, but still remains his widow. James Rops
State of Rhode Island County of Washington ss.
On the Fifth day of October 1838 personally appeared James Rops, who gave and subscribed the foregoing Deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Before Geo. W. Knight Justice of the Peace
I certify that the said James Rops is known to me, that he is a person of veracity, and that his said deposition is entitled to credit.
Geo. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Job W. Rathbun of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, on Oath testifies and says, that he is fifty four years of age, that he has known Mr. Sanford Gavit from his youth, and always lived in his neighborhood, that he was present at the time of said Gavit's death, which was on the twenty seventh day of April eighteen hundred and thirty three, this he well recollects from the circumstance of his mother's death which took place a short time previous; this deponent further says, that he knows Mrs. Hannah Gavit, widow of said Sanford Gavit, that she has not married since his decease, but now remains his widow. Job W. Rathbun
State of Rhode Island County of Washington } ss.
On the fifth day of October 1838 Personally appeared Job W. Rathbun, who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same
before J. W. Knight Justice of the Peace
I certify that the said Job W. Rathbun is well known to me, that he is a person of veracity, and that his said deposition is entitled to credit.
J. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Sanford Gavit of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, on oath testified and said, that he is thirty six years of age; that he is the son of Sanford and Hannah Gavit, said Sanford Gavit, now deceased; that said Sanford Gavit died at Westerly on the twenty seventh day of April 1833; that the said Hannah Gavit was the wife of said Sanford at the time of his death; that she has not since married, but now is the widow of said Sanford Gavit.
Sanford Gavit
State of Rhode Island Washington County
ss. On the fifth day of October 1838
Personally appeared the above named Sanford Gavit who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
before me Sec. W. Knight Justice of the Peace
I certify that the aforesaid Sanford Gavit is well known to me, that he is a person of veracity, and that his said deposition is entitled to credit.
Sec. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Rev  WIDOW, &c.  Rev
File No. 21166
Hannah Gavit Widow of Sanford Gavit Brn. Rev. War
Act July 7 th 1838
Index : Vol. 21 , Page 265-
[Arrangement of 1870.]

C. L. Edwards Esq. Pension Office Washington

Charleston R. I. Dec 10 th 1852
Sir —
Enclosed is Sanford Gavit's
Application for a Pension under the late act of Congress - which I trust will be found correct. agreeable to the regulations of the Act on the subject - I am with much Respect
Your Mo Obedt. Humble Servt
J. L. Edwards Esq. George Thurston Pension Office Washington

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations County of Washington ss.
Then personally appeared Samuel Champlin of Westerly in the county aforesaid, and on oath testified and saith, That Sanford Gavit, of Westerly aforesaid, entered as a soldier, with my self, in the service of the State troops of Rhode Island, in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Joseph Noyes & in the guard commanded by Samuel Champlin. and that we were stationed on the shores of Westerly and Charlestown that we occupied as a guard house an old dwelling house situated near Noyes' Neck (so called) and that I continued in the service about eight months - in said company and then I enlisted and went to the westward, leaving said Sanford Gavit in said company on duty, how long said Gavit continued in the company after I left cannot tell but have understood that he continued in the same until he was discharged, - cannot tell at what time he entered or left the service -
Samuel Champlin
Washington ss. Charlestown August 6. 1 st 1832. Personally appeared Samuel Champlin signer of the foregoing declaration and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me
Joseph Potter Justice C. C. Pleas

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations County of Washington ss.
Then personally appeared Sanford Noyes of Westerly in the aforesaid County of Washington - and on oath testified and saith, That Sanford Gavit of Westerly aforesaid on the 29 th day of March A D 1776 entered on duty as a soldier to guard the shores in Westerly and Charlestown in the County aforesaid under the command of Captain John Gavit in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Joseph Noyes being the first Regiment in the aforesaid County of Washington - and that he served in said company from the date aforesaid to the tenth day of December following - as appears by a document which I made at the time by order of Colonel Joseph Noyes aforesaid - and that soon after the 10 th of December he the said Sanford Gavit with myself enlisted in the State troops of Rhode Island aforesaid under command of Captain Samuel Champlin commander of the guard in the Regiment aforesaid, and that we were stationed on the shores of Westerly and Charlestown for the protection of the same - and that the said Sanford Gavit continued in the service with myself until some time after the British Army evacuated Rhode Island which according to my best recollections was in the year A D 1779 - and continued in said service after the evacuation until the Spring of 1780 - which was as near as I can recollect about seven or eight months for the purpose of guarding the shores
Sanford Noyes
Washington County ss. Charlestown August 6 th A D 1832
This may certify that Sanford Noyes subscribing to the above deposition before deposing was sworn according to Law to testify the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth
Before Joseph Potter Justice C.C.P.

Washington 12 th
This may certify that I am of the opinion that Sanford Gavit of Westerly an applicant for a Pension under the act of Congress passed June 7 th - 1832 is not able to attend the sitting of Common Pleas to be held the ensuing August Term - in consequence of bodily infirmity which opinion is corroborated by the deposition of Joseph Willson and Ezekiel Gavit who are known by me
Charlestown August 6 th - 1832
Joseph Potter Justice of the Peace

Washington D.C. Clerk's Office Court. Common Pleas & General Sessions of the Peace Sept. A.D. 1832
Certify that The Honble Joseph Potter whose certificate is heretofore annexed is a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the County Aforesaid legally chosen and Qualified as the Law requires that full faith and Credit ought to be given to his Attestation throughout the United States of America. I further certify that the Seal here impressed is the true Seal of the Court Aforesaid.
SAM l Helme Clerk
And the said Judge doth hereby declare his Opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and lived
as he states And the said Judge further testifies from his Examination of and knowledge of Edward Wilcox Esqy. Nathan Bliven. Samuel Champlaine and Sanford Noyes the preceding Dependants the said Judge considers their Testimony contained in the preceding depositions entitled to Credit
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace for the County of Washington do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Sanford Gavit for a certificate Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this Eight day of September A.D. 1832.
SAM l Helme Clerk

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations. Novem r 27. 1832
Washington St. Clerk's Office Court Common Pleas & General Sessions of the Peace
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Courts Aforesaid do certify that the Device on the Seal of the Courts Aforesaid is a pair of Scales but so very only cut that it leaves very little mark on the Wafer as may here be seen
Sam l Helme Clk
Sanford Fawcett Proclamation

I Matthew Stillman a Claryman residing in the town of Hopkinton and county of Washington in the state of Rhode Island hereby certify that I am of the offspring that Sanford Gavit who has subscribed and sworn to the forgoing declaration that I believe him to be seventy two years of age, that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that I concur in that - opinion —
Charlestown Nov 26 1832
Matthew Stillman
Minister of the Gospel
Washington Sc
Charlestown Nov 26 th 1832
Personally appeared the above subscribed Matthew Stillman and made solemn affirmation to the truth of the forgoing affidavit and I further certify that the said Matthew Stillman is at this time a respectable Claryman residing in the town of Hopkinton and state aforesaid George Thurston. Justin Pease

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations.
2 mo. Music 11 mo. Private $44 per ann.
George Thurston Esq. Present
Washington D.C. } Clerks Office Court Common Pleas & General Sessions of the Peace Nov. 27. 1832
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Courts Aforesaid do hereby certify that George Thurston Esq. whose certificate is hereto prefixed is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Charlestown legally that full faith & credit ought to be given to his certificate throughout the United States of America chosen and qualified as the Law requires. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this 27 th day of November A.D. 1832
Sam l Helme Clk
2/12/19
Samuel Helme